It’s so exciting when you take your new puppy for their first proper walk. The world is so busy and exciting, it’s no wonder puppies can find it all a little overwhelming: seeing new people, dogs, children, hearing new noises, getting used to traffic – the list is endless.
Then there’s the dreaded question of WHEN do I let my puppy off the lead for the first time. EVERYONE will have their own thoughts and opinions and be very keen to share those with you -some of it will be good advice and other not so good.
For what it’s worth, here are our thoughts:
AGE - There is no ideal age to let a puppy off the lead – it’s very dependant on the individual dog and family. Our main advice is to pick a time when you are 99.9% certain that your puppy’s first off-lead experience will be successful
PLACE – Where you decide to try your first off -lead experience is crucial for success. Choose a very quiet, secluded location – not too close to roads, traffic, unexpected distractions – ideally a fenced field gives you a little peace of mind.
ENVIRONMENT – Many puppies can recall perfectly at home in the garden, but it all goes to pot when in a public place. This is typically because the environment is new and exciting, so make sure you have visited the public place you plan to let them off lead a few times so that it is a little more familiar to them before choosing to let them off
DISTRACTIONS – For first time success, choose a time and place when there are minimal distractions (other than the environment) - no people, dogs, wildlife etc. Just you and them in that familiar place.
TRAINING
Undertaking some recall training and learning skills will help to create a strong recall and is the foundation for a successful first time experience and long-term recall. Your trainer can help you learn some fun games to practise, talk you through management and help you to feel more confident beforehand.
Remember being off-lead in public isn’t a requirement for your dog, staying on lead can be just as fun and more suitable for some humans and dogs. Being off lead isn’t an automatic right - it’s a responsibility.
WONDERING WHERE TO GO?
If you are pondering the ideal location – we have the perfect solution! Our fenced dog walking field, The Potterings, is the PERFECT location to enjoy a successful first off-lead experience for your puppy.
- The field is fenced with 2m high fencing meaning you can feel a little more relaxed that they can’t go too far
- You have sole use of 2.2 acres – no other people or dogs so minimal distractions
- Being able to relax with the security of fencing means you don’t NEED to recall your puppy but can instead reward their choice to check in and return to you
- There are a number of different obstacles and activities that can create challenges to recall around, through, under and over
- With many different textures and surfaces to explore it creates not just a recall opportunity but a chance to build confidence and provide an interactive experience for your developing puppy
- It’s a safe place for you to relax and simply let your dog be a dog!
- No pressure! The controlled environment removes any pressure of you NEEDING your recall to work, if it doesn’t, it doesn’t matter! You can try again and not worry about your puppy running off into the sunset.
- Find out more about The Potterings -
https://www.potterpaws.co.uk/blog-post/you-and-your-dog-will-love-the-potterings-secure-field/
Working on a reliable recall is often a process and not something that happens overnight. As your puppy develops through the various stages of maturity their recall abilities will also peak and trough. Very young puppies can easy lull you into a false sense of security so always undertake a quick safety check BEFORE letting your dog off the lead – here is our DREAD protocol.
- DANGER – Are there any potential dangerous situations near by
- REWARDS – Do you have high value rewards/something you puppy wants
- ENVIRONMENT – is the environment safe and familiar to you both
- ATTENTION – Is your puppy easily able to give you their attention
- DISTRACTIONS – Are there any distractions present, nearby or likely to appear in the immediate future.
Head over to The Potterings website to find out more about our secure dog walking field in Stocke Mandeville: www.thepotterings.co.uk